JP4801057B2 - Multi-zone tube assembly and mounting method for gas turbine tail tube - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of gas-fired turbines, and more particularly to a pipe assembly that supplies forced air or vapor refrigerant to the transition of a gas turbine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gas turbines are well known in the technical field of power generation. The gas turbine has a compressor section in which air is pressurized. The air then flows to a plurality of radially arranged combustion chambers where fuel is combusted to form hot combustion gases. Hot gas flows through the transition to the first stage of the turbine, where the enthalpy of the gas is converted to mechanical energy. The tail tube is alternatively referred to as “tail tube” or “transition duct” by some skilled in the art. A prior art citation, which will be described herein by reference, in particular for the description of the structure of the transition piece and for the source of stress on the transition piece, was issued to Stever on 27 December 1983: U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,288; U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,093 issued May 25, 1999 to Koslow et al .; U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,742 issued Oct. 15, 2002 to Mandai et al. A US Pat. No. 6,662,568 issued December 16, 2003 to Shimizu et al. Also of interest is US Pat. No. 6,523,352 issued to Takahashi et al. On Feb. 25, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

  The transition piece receives the hot combustion gas. Such a transition piece and a member attached to the transition piece are exposed to stress due to high temperature, vibration, and extreme temperature gradient in long-term operation. Some gas turbine transitions are cooled by flowing air along the outside of the unit, while other transitions have cooling channels that are used to cool the transitions. Forced air or steam. The latter type is commonly known as a forced cooling tail.

  The forced cooling transition includes a steam cooled transition, where steam is supplied to the transition via a suction (i.e. supply) pipe and a separate discharge pipe returns hot steam from the transition to the steam system. It is like that. For example, the steam cooling operating parameters for cooling the tail tube are: inlet (ie, feed) steam is about 500 degrees Fahrenheit ("° F"), inlet pressure is about 260 pounds per square inch ("psi"), and outlet Or the exhaust steam temperature is about 1000 ° F.

  The conventional tube assembly connecting the forced cooling fluid supply and return system to the tail tube consists of a rigid tube welded at each bend. Forced air and steam are common forced-cooled fluids, and the integral manifold is a common structure for transporting supply and return side fluids. An example of a conventional welded tube assembly that carries steam is shown in FIG. The supply pipe assembly 1 conveys steam from the outlet of the steam manifold 3 to the steam inlet port 4 of the tail cylinder 5. The return or discharge pipe assembly 6 carries the return steam heated by passing through the channel in the transition piece 5 from the steam outlet port 7 to the return port 8 of the steam manifold 3. Although it is known in the art to provide support along the length of the welded tube, as indicated by brace 9 in FIG. 1, this brace is simply a uniformly rigid welded tube assembly. Is simply attached to the tail piece. The tube assembly on both sides of such a brace consists of the same rigid tube and is welded as described in the prior art.

  The construction of such a welded rigid tube assembly is labor intensive. In addition, if the fit between the manifold and the port is not accurate and / or improperly handled during transport or installation, a static load may be applied to the tube assembly, reducing the life.

  Thermal stress may result from sustained high temperatures in the members of the tube assembly, exposure to high temperature gradients along the length of the material, or both. In addition to temperature stress, the transition piece and the tube assembly associated with the transition piece are subject to vibrations, for example, from the varying nature of combustion and from the associated vibrations transmitted from the manifold. As noted above, strains in one or more of the tube assemblies or their members may result from undesired static loads in the assembly, for example, due to improper handling by the supplier and / or improper installation. As a result, stress may occur. If the tube assembly and its components with such a static load are then heated to the operating temperature and maintained at this operating temperature for a long operating period, the additional stress from the initial static load is another stress. May contribute.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a conventional welded tube assembly that conveys steam to and from the transition piece.

  FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable forced cooling tube assembly attached to a gas turbine tailstock. Both the inlet and outlet tube assemblies are shown.

  FIG. 3 provides a schematic top view of the removable forced cooling tube assembly of FIG.

  FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a removable union V-shaped band clamp format.

  FIG. 5A provides a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the inlet tube assembly as shown in FIGS. FIG. 5A provides a more detailed view of the backing plate in the tail piece and the side plate of the clamp member. FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the components of the inlet tube assembly shown in FIG. 5A, but omits one component and modifies another component to compensate for this exclusion. .

  FIG. 6 shows a modified embodiment of the example shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, in which a flexible joint is used instead of a straight section of the tube.

  FIG. 7 shows another modified embodiment of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-3, in which case the termination member of the tube assembly shown in FIGS. 2-3 is not present. Instead, it is functionally replaced by the extension of another component.

Detailed Description of the Invention For the drawings described herein, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference signs refer to the same or similar structures shown in the previous drawings. Also, as used in the specification and claims, the terms “inlet”, “inhalation” and “supply” are interpreted to indicate the same with respect to the tube assembly, and “outlet”, “return” and “exhaust” The term “is similarly interpreted to indicate the same with respect to the tube assembly.

  Also, the terms “replaceable” and “removable” are taken to mean the same thing when referring to a tube assembly component in fluid communication with the cooling system in the transition piece. Such tube assembly sections are also referred to as “installable in the field” due to their detachability and ease of replacement. The term “in-situ mountable” includes the transition piece and interchangeable sections for one or more components of the tube assembly, such as the inlet and outlet sides of the forced cooling system. Applies to certain combinations. As disclosed herein, such field installable combinations provide easy installation and / or replacement of worn units without the need for extensive field welding and are extensively pre-welded. To avoid the installation of a tail piece part having a cooling system tube assembly. Thus, the terms “replaceable”, “removable” and “installable in the field” as applied to these components and assemblies are more easily attached than known components and assemblies. Or it shows that it is exchanged.

  One embodiment of the present invention is a flexible tube assembly for guiding fluid for forced cooling of a gas turbine tail piece, in which case the assembly has a series of flexible connectors. . Another embodiment of the present invention is a removable flexible tube assembly for guiding fluid for forced cooling of a gas turbine tailstock, wherein the assembly comprises a series of flexible connectors. Yes or no. Another embodiment of the present invention is a forced cooling tail piece assembly, where the tail piece has a heat transfer channel terminated in the inlet and outlet chambers, and further provides certain loads to the tail piece. It has a tube assembly connected to the inlet and outlet chambers having a curved tube that is handed over and molded and a flexible in-line connector. A combination including a transition piece with a tube assembly is disclosed. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of one embodiment of the removable forced cooling tube assembly 20 of the present invention. This provides a forced cooling fluid for cooling the tail piece 5. Air and steam are common forced cooling fluids. Steam is discussed in the embodiments. However, any forced cooling fluid can be used in the apparatus disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the assembly 20 is divided into an inlet tube assembly 21 and an outlet tube assembly 22. FIG. 3 more clearly shows the removable forced cooling tube assembly 20 of FIG. 2, with the steam manifold 3 and the inlet chamber 14 of the tail piece 5 (otherwise not shown in FIG. 3). And the components as arranged between the outlet chamber 17 and the outlet chamber 17.

  Although it is recognized that the manifold is most typically used to supply fluid for forced cooling of the transition piece, this component is more commonly referred to as the “forced cooling fluid supply”. ing. A forced cooling fluid supply, as used herein, including the claims, is to be construed to include a device such as the illustrated manifold having both a delivery conduit and a return conduit. A forced cooling fluid supply is also taken to mean a device that provides a separate delivery or return conduit, whereby one such device has a supply (ie delivery) side and a second such Each device has a return (i.e., outlet) side, each for allowing cooling fluid to flow through the transition piece.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet pipe assembly 21 and the outlet pipe assembly 22 of the removable forced cooling pipe assembly 20 are connected to the tail cylinder 5. The tail tube 5 combined with the inlet tube assembly 21 and the outlet tube assembly 22 has a tail tube assembly 10 that can be installed in the field. The components of the transition piece 5 and related aspects are described below. The transition piece 5 is directed to the exhaust end of the combustion chamber (not shown) and is attached to the exhaust end, or a front (or inlet) end 12 and generally the first stage of the turbine (see FIG. And a rear end 13 which is directed to and attached to the suction end. The transition piece 5 also comprises an inlet chamber 14 that receives steam from the steam manifold 3. A plurality of cooling channels in the tail cylinder 5 are fluidly connected to the inlet chamber 14, and steam passes through these cooling channels. These cooling channels are not shown in FIG. As the steam circulates and exits the tail tube, the forced fluid receives heat from the body of the tail tube, thereby cooling the tail tube 5. As the steam exits the channel in the tail piece 5, it merges and exits the exit chamber 17.

  To distinguish from the inlet end 12 and the rear end 13 for combustion gases, an inlet chamber such as the inlet chamber 14 is also identified as a “cooling inlet chamber” and an outlet chamber such as the outlet chamber 17 is referred to as a “cooling outlet chamber”. Also identified as ".

  Although not necessarily correct for all embodiments of the present invention, the components of inlet tube assembly 21 and outlet tube assembly 22 are shown having the same or similar components and relationships therebetween. . Accordingly, the discussion of component characteristics of the supply side assembly applies to the outlet tube assembly 22 as appropriate. Where convenient, partial identification for the same member of an individual assembly is distinguished by the subscript "-I" for the inlet tube assembly component and by the subscript "-O" for the outlet tube assembly component. . Where subscripts for such components are not used, the discussion of such components may apply to one or both of inlet tube assembly 21 and outlet tube assembly 22. This identification method does not apply to structures in which individual assemblies are attached at individual ends or to removable unions as described herein.

  Also, depending on the design criteria for a particular transition piece, the design and layout of the inlet tube assembly can be substantially different from the design and layout of the outlet tube assembly and still remain within the scope of the present invention. For example, referring to FIG. 1, it can be observed that the inlet tube assembly provides two inlet chambers while the outlet tube assembly exits only from one outlet chamber. The features of the present invention are adaptable to such design criteria, chamber arrangements and the like without departing from the scope of the claims provided.

The inlet pipe assembly 21 receives steam from a steam supply shown in FIG. 3 as a steam manifold 3 via a manifold outlet pipe 32 fixed to the steam manifold.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the manifold outlet tube 32 is rigidly secured to the steam manifold, and the free or distal end of the manifold outlet tube expands to engage a removable union 52. The union reversibly connects the distal end to the mating end 54-I of the inlet tube assembly 21 in a reversible manner.
More generally, the end, such as end 54-I, is not limited to expanding diameter, but is adapted to connect using a removable union (such as removable union 52), such as by expanding the diameter. Yes.

  A V-shaped band clamp is one type of removable union 52 used in embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. FIG. 4 provides an enlarged view of the removable union V-shaped band clamp. This type of removable union 52 is easily exchanged during standard operating conditions of the turbine and steam cooling system and does not leak. By not leaking at such operating conditions, fluid delivery by such tubes in such removable unions for purposes of this application, including the claims appended hereto. This means that there is no appreciable loss of fluid from the inside of the tube to the outside of the tube that produces a recognizable effect. Other types of removable unions as known in the art can be used in this and other positions where a V-shaped band clamp type union fitting is shown. Among other types, it is a bolted flange union, but is not limited thereto.

  The assembly of components, including the tube assembly between the two removable unions 52 (for the inlet or outlet assembly) is collectively referred to as the “removable tube section”. In the following, one such assembly component of the inlet tube assembly 21 shown in FIGS. 2-3 will be described. First, a first straight tube 53-I abuts the enlarged and shaped distal end of the manifold outlet tube. The first straight pipe 53 -I has a diameter-expanded end 54 -I that comes into contact with and joins to the free end of the manifold outlet pipe 32. The other end of the first straight pipe 53-I is integrally formed with the flexible joint 56-I by welding or the like. Although shown in detail in FIG. 3, the flexible joint 56-I is selected from any suitable type of flexible connector capable of withstanding the temperature pressure and vibration conditions to which this component is exposed. Can do. For example, the flexible joint 56 is a double ball joint (ie, having a ball and joint union at each end (eg, Perkin-Elmer Fluid Sciences (Baltimore, MD), model # 43428-175); bellows joint; spring clip) Fittings can be selected from, but not limited to, metal flexible hoses Flexible joints are capable of absorbing axial and lateral movement, ie, providing the assembly with axial and lateral flexibility. With no leakage or limited leakage.

  Downstream of the flexible joint 56-I is a bracing member 58-I having a bore therethrough for fluidly connecting a cooling fluid to an adjacent component, the bracing member being an integral side plate 60. -I. The side plate 60-I has a hole 61 (behind the bolt head 63 in FIG. 5A and observable in FIG. 5B), and the axial stop backing plate in which the hole 61 is fixed to the transition piece 5. Aligned to align with a matching hole at 18 (not observable in FIG. 5A). A bolt 62 having a bolt head 63 is shown in FIG. 5A. This penetrates the hole 61 in the side plate 60, thereby fixing the inlet pipe assembly 21 to the tail cylinder 5 at this point. When secured in this manner, attachment to the axial stop backing plate actually provides for clamping of the inlet tube assembly 21 in all three dimensions (ie, axial, lateral and longitudinal). In another embodiment (not shown), the bolt is not used or is formed to provide a space between the bolt and the hole 61 in the side plate 60, the effect of this arrangement being exclusively or primarily 1 Along the two dimensions, the stop effect is more accurately described as “axial”. Other arrangements can selectively reduce or eliminate moments and / or forces along any axis. This member is referred to as an “axial stop backing plate”, but in some embodiments, the rigid attachment can hold the flexible tube assembly against movement due to non-axial forces. Is recognized.

  Generally, bracing members are designed to respond to plug loads more than tubes or other components positioned further away from the plug load force source. Since the bracing member 58-I transmits a load and receives stress during operation of the gas turbine, the bracing member 58-I is manufactured to withstand such stress. For example, without limitation, this component may be cast, forged, machined from stock material (including side plates 60-I in some embodiments), or a rigid tube or tube fitting. And a subassembly including side plates can be formed by welding together. The embodiment of the bracing member 58-I shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5B is a single piece machined to the shape shown.

  Downstream of the bracing member 58-I is a molded curved pipe 64-I, which is shaped to have the U-shaped bend of the inlet pipe assembly 21 in this case. This shaped curved tube 64-I has a lower stiffness than a standard tube of the same dimensions (ie, a 1.75 inch outer diameter tube compared to a 1.5 inch nominal tube diameter). Dimension), in this case, this tube forms a similar curved tube with welded fittings. By standard pipe is meant an iron pipe that is usually used to supply forced cooling fluid to the tail piece. Standard tube dimensions have been used in the past to provide forced cooling fluid to the transition piece assembly. In order to develop the appropriate dimensions and other specifications for a shaped bend as used herein, one skilled in the art may, for example, enter finite elements that enter data related to a particular turbine and tailstock. A modeling software program can be used. With respect to the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reduced stiffness in the region or zone of the inlet tube assembly 21 facilitates assembly and reduces high cycle fatigue. By having a smaller stiffness or stiffness, the molded bend provides radial flexibility.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the smaller relative stiffness of the molded curved pipe 64-I allows the pipe to be cast or welded together with the composition, thickness, and manufacturing type, ie, the fitting. Rather than being obtained from molding.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a spacer tube 65-I is provided downstream of the section of the molded bent tube 64-I. This straight section of the tube is joined at one end to the end of the shaped curved tube 64-I and at the other end to the distal straight tube 66-I. . (The outlet tube assembly in FIGS. 2 and 3 does not have a spacer tube since it is not required in the case of the outlet chamber 17 position 9). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the end 70-I of the distal straight tube 66-I is a matching enlarged diameter and shaped end of the chamber inlet tube 72 extending from the inlet chamber 14. The diameter is expanded and molded so as to conform to the contact. This is to provide a bond using a V-shaped clamp removable union 52 or the like to form a connection or union that does not leak.

As described above, the structure of the components of the outlet tube assembly 22 is substantially the same as that for the inlet tube assembly 21. However, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outlet tube assembly 22 is attached to a chamber outlet tube 74 that extends from the outlet chamber 17 of the tail piece 5. The other end of the outlet tube assembly 22 is attached to a manifold inlet tube 34 welded to the steam manifold 3 as shown in this embodiment. With respect to the fitting that joins the inlet pipe assembly 21, the end of the manifold introduction pipe 34 that joins the outlet pipe assembly 22 is the end of the first straight pipe 53 -O that is the end component of the outlet pipe assembly 22. Similarly, it is shaped and expanded so as to fit and contact the expanded and molded ends. In another embodiment, a flexible joint, such as component 56 in FIG. 3, can be manufactured with a fitting that has an enlarged diameter at one end.
In such an embodiment, the need for a first straight pipe such as component 53-O is eliminated.

  The inlet tube assembly 21 can be defined as the overall section of the tube between the steam manifold 3 and the inlet chamber 14, whereas the easily removable portion of the inlet tube assembly 21 is the end 54-I. Interchangeable section 25 (alternatively referred to as “removable tube section”) consisting of components between 70-I (see FIG. 5B).

  As described above for the embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 3, the components are provided to provide an alternative to conventional rigid welded tube assemblies that have complex paths and are difficult to manufacture. Work together. The flexibility of the design allows one end to be rigid while the other end resists thermal and dynamic displacement. In general, greater flexibility than welded rigid tube assemblies can be obtained from one or a combination of the following: incorporating a flexible joint into the tube section; simplifying geometry; reducing the number of welds; A molded bent tube component having a lower stiffness than a standard tube with a fitting is manufactured. The use of a shaped bend member imparts a plug load as forced cooling fluid flows through the bend due to the momentum change imposed by the bend through it. Also, high plug loads due to differential pressure and flow area, especially through flexible joints, need to be managed. A bracing member 58 having a connection to the transition piece controls such forces and isolates the flexible joint from the molded bend. This also reduces the moment load on the removable union 52 so that it is within the design capabilities of the union. Another embodiment described below uses fewer members than those described in this embodiment. To varying degrees this results in different dynamic responses and different load transmissions between the remaining members.

  Further, with respect to the bracing member and how the load is transmitted from the bracing member to the transition piece, the side plate 60 is, however, integral with or attached to the bracing member. One of many alternatives for. The purpose of such a support structure is to transmit the load to the transition piece at locations along the length of the tube section. Where such a load is transmitted is generally identified by the presence of a load receiving member that is integral with or attached to the tail piece. The axial stop backing plate 18 is but one example of a load receiving member. The transmission of the load to the transition piece isolates the components of the tube assembly on one side of the support structure from the load created on the other side. Depending on the shape and arrangement of the elements and how they touch or are attached to each other, only axial loads are transmitted, or loads from all three dimensions are transmitted. Or other combinations of moments and / or forces can be transmitted. For example, the support structure may be in the form of a plate as shown in FIG. 2, a pin or bolt, or a desired member with or formed to extend from the tail tube. It can be any other shape of material that can extend from the tubular portion of the bracing member to form a contact.

  The shape of the particular support structure and the shape of the load-carrying member can vary depending on a number of factors, particularly the desired axis, expected load, and specified tolerances. For example, but not limited thereto, the support structure can be a cylindrical rod having a perforated hole through which a pin extending from a plate secured to the tail tube passes. In this case, the pin and the plate include a load receiving member. Alternatively, the plate or bolt extends from one side of the bracing member while the end is positioned in the groove in the transition piece, and the travel in the groove is limited at one end that acts as an axial stop. Is done. In this case, the groove including the side wall and the end wall includes a load receiving member. Alternatively, the support structure can be a groove in a bracing member that is laterally formed by two spaced apart ridges, in which case the yoke extending from the tail tube is between the ridges. Is positioned. Thus, when moving in the axial direction, the tube is stopped when the yoke abuts one of the ridges. In this case, the yoke is a load receiving member. These and any other mechanical designs for associating the bracing member with the tail piece are intended to provide this aspect of the invention as known to those skilled in the art for the purpose of providing axial or other force transmission. For purposes of implementation, it can be used to adapt such members to transmit loads. This design can also have other than load-bearing members in the transition piece, such as, but not limited to, a first load-receiving member (such as a backing plate) for contacting the inlet tube assembly 21 and an outlet There may be a second load bearing member (such as a backing plate) for contacting the tube assembly 22.

  FIG. 5B also shows basic information regarding the direction of flexibility of the constituent members of the present invention. Line 100 in FIG. 5 defines axial displacement. Line 102 defines the lateral displacement and line 104 defines the longitudinal displacement. As used herein to describe the flexibility of flexible joints, lateral displacement consists of lateral movement and longitudinal movement. Therefore, by having lateral flexibility, displacement is allowed in the lateral and longitudinal directions. Also, considering line 106 in FIG. 5B, this line indicates the radius of the shaped bend. Due to the reduced stiffness, the end 67-I of the molded bend 64-I is displaced inward to obtain a smaller radius or outward to obtain a larger radius. Can be displaced. This defines the radial flexibility used here to describe the shaped bend. Such radial flexibility provides for easier installation, particularly fit-up of the ends of the tube and mounting hardware. Furthermore, due to the low stiffness of the molded bend, the end 67-I can change relative position along 106 (ie, this end is in addition to the radial flexibility defined herein). It can be seen that it can be flexible.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which case there is no flexible joint as found in the embodiment in FIGS. In this case, only a straight section 59-I, such as a rigid tube, is provided that connects the removable connection towards the manifold and bracing member 58-I. A similar straight section 59-0 couples the outlet tube assembly 22 to individual manifold fittings. Furthermore, each of the inlet and outlet tube assemblies of this embodiment fits adjacent tubes via a removable union fitting 52, a molded bend 64, and a bracing member 58 as described above. It consists of two possible ends. Although no series flexible joint is provided, the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 nevertheless provides the following advantages: means for quick repair and replacement via a removable union Tolerance and resistance to vibration and temperature stresses due to the U-shaped bend of the bent tube 64; via a bracing member 58 fixed to the axial stop backing plate 18 of the tail cylinder 5 via the side plate 60 Vibration damping.

  Another aspect of the present invention is any one of the tube assemblies disclosed and described above in combination with a joined transition piece. For example, without limitation, tail tube 5 shown in FIG. 2 in combination with inlet tube assembly 21 and outlet tube assembly 22 is an embodiment of such an aspect of the invention. In addition, kits that include one or more flexible tube assemblies (ie, supply and discharge) are an aspect of the present invention, with tail tubes dimensioned and designed to be coupled together.

  Also, in other embodiments, the components of the assembly disclosed above can be eliminated without departing from the invention. Without limitation, one example of such component reduction is shown in FIG. In this case, using FIG. 6 as a starting point, the tube assemblies 21 and 22 can be formed and used without the straight sections 59-I and 59-O shown in FIG. In such an embodiment in FIG. 7, the bracing members 58-I and 58-O of each of these assemblies are designed and manufactured to extend to the manifold. Similarly, although not limited (and not shown in FIG. 7), each molded bend 64-I and 64-O is mounted from the inlet chamber 14 and outlet chamber 17 of tail tube 5, respectively. It can extend to abut the product. This eliminates the end straight tubes 66-I and 66-O shown in FIG. In such an embodiment, the end of each molded curved pipe 64-I and 64-O is shaped to fit properly with the fitting, and the end of the fitting is removed. Reversibly mounted by using a possible union fitting 52.

  While the example disclosed herein consists of removable unions on both sides of the tube assembly, another embodiment of the present invention provides a means for contacting the tail piece (such as side plate 60 in FIG. 2). Having an inlet or outlet tube assembly comprising a clamping region (such as bracing member 58-I in FIG. 2) and a molded tube region (such as molded curved tube 64 in FIG. 2). . Such an embodiment is assembled to the tail piece without the use of a removable union and has or does not have a series flexible joint (such as flexible joint 56 in FIG. 2). Attachment without a removable union can include welding to the individual ends, namely the manifold and the inlet and outlet chambers. Such embodiments take longer to replace than embodiments that use removable unions at both ends of the intervening inlet or outlet tube section.

  Thus, by way of examples and discussion herein, one aspect of the present invention is that a method for solving the problems identified in a tube assembly to a tail tube that provides forced cooling is a clamping region and a molded tube. It is recognized that this is the realization of providing an area. That is, when considering only one of the inlet tube assembly or the outlet tube assembly, a clamping region is provided to transmit the load from the tube assembly to a location on the tail tube (ie, via the side plate 60 of the bracing member 58). Also provided is a molded tube region consisting of a molded tube (ie, a U-shaped bent tube 64) that is less rigid than a similar tube with a welded fitting. These two regions have a composition that imparts varying levels of stiffness as opposed to conventional tube assemblies, and are thus considered to be inhomogeneous. Such an embodiment of the present invention is considered a "dual zone" assembly. Advantageously, in the embodiment provided herein, the molded tube region has a U-shaped bend, which is important for diverting the forced cooling fluid flow by 180 °. This is done to be compatible with standard design gas turbines.

  Furthermore, embodiments can have a third region that includes a flexible joint. This region, or flexure region, is positioned between the clamping region and the manifold and is characterized by the ability of such a joint to reduce loading and consequential stresses and wear on other components due to its flexibility. And More specifically, for example (but not limited to), a flexible region including a flexible joint provides axial and lateral flexibility. Thus, and more generally, embodiments of the present invention are considered to consist of a multi-zone tube assembly that supplies a forced-cooled fluid to a tail turbine of a gas turbine engine.

  The term "tube" as used herein to describe a member exiting a forced cooling fluid supply (i.e., manifold), and a tail tube inlet chamber in fluid connection with the removable section described herein. And the outlet chamber can include any type of structure or assembly that fluidly transmits forced cooling fluid, instead of the tube sections described and illustrated herein. For example, without limitation, the shaped tail tube inlet assembly is a structure for connecting to a removable section described herein that literally does not have a separate piece of tubing welded to the tail tube inlet assembly. Can have. Such structures that can alternatively be recognized as "extended ports" are considered to be within the functional definition of "tube" as used herein.

Furthermore, in view of the advantages of the assembly comprising an assembly consisting of a transition piece and two interchangeable sections of forced cooling tubes (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), another aspect of the present invention is It will be appreciated that this is a method of mounting the assembly. For example, without limitation, one method of attaching the transition piece assembly is:
1. Aligning the transition piece so that the front end abuts the end of the combustor and the rear end abuts the inlet to the turbine first stage;
2. Mounting an inlet support at the front end;
3. Attaching an outlet support at the rear end;
4). Installing a first replaceable section of forced cooling tube to fluidly connect a supply port from the manifold and a port in the tail chamber inlet chamber;
5. Installing a second replaceable section of forced cooling tube to fluidly connect the return port of the manifold and the port in the outlet chamber of the tail tube;
The mounting of steps 4 and 5 includes securing a removable union at both ends of the first and second interchangeable sections to form a leak-free union.

  Steps 1 to 3 above, and variations of these steps as known in the art, more generally, “attach a tail piece to connect the combustor and the first stage of the turbine”. It is allowed to be explained as

  Alternatively, in another embodiment, the field-installable tail tube assembly 10 including the tail tube 5 assembled in combination with the inlet tube assembly 21 and the outlet tube assembly 22 may be mounted as a unit. It is recognized that it can be done.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is to replace the inlet (supply) or outlet (return) side interchangeable tube sections in a new tail tube or when replacing a sieve tube assembly in a tail tube attached to a turbine. It is recognized that this is a method of attaching to a cylinder. More specifically, such a method for installing a supply segment in the field includes:
1. Forced cooling at a first end of a field-installable removable tube assembly section that includes two ends, a flexible U-shaped bend region, and a bracing member region that includes a support structure. Aligning to abut the free end of the first tube from the supply port of the fluid supply and the second end to abut the free end of the second tube from the inlet chamber port;
2. Attaching a first removable union to reversibly join the first end to the free end of the first tube to form a leak-free union;
3. A second removable union is attached to reversibly join the second end to the free end of the second tube so as to form a leak-free union.

  In the method, a flexible region including a flexible joint is provided at one end, and a molded tube region including a bent tube is provided at the other end, and a tightening region is provided therebetween. If so, it will be appreciated that the flexibility at each end will aid in the attachment of the individual ends to individual adjacent corresponding tubes. This occurs both when the clamping area is first attached to the tail piece via the support structure. That is, even when the bracing member is fixed to the tail tube load-carrying member via the support structure, the flexibility at each end is removable at the individual end of each adjacent corresponding tube Or provide a simpler installation using other connectors.

  The examples and embodiments presented herein are merely examples, and various modifications or changes that take this into account are suggested to those skilled in the art and are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present application and the appended claims. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a conventional welded tube assembly that conveys steam to and from the transition piece. 1 provides a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable forced cooling tube assembly attached to a gas turbine tailstock. FIG. Both the inlet and outlet tube assemblies are shown. FIG. 3 provides a schematic top view of the removable forced cooling tube assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a removable union V-shaped band clamp format. FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the inlet tube assembly as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. A more detailed view of the backing plate in the tail tube and the side plate of the clamp member is provided. FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the components of the inlet tube assembly shown in FIG. 5A, but omits one component and modifies another component to compensate for this exclusion. Fig. 4 shows a modified embodiment of said example shown in Figs. 2 to 3, wherein a flexible joint is used instead of a straight section of tube. Fig. 4 shows another modified embodiment of the example shown in Figs. 2 to 3, in which case the termination member of the tube assembly shown in Figs. It is functionally replaced by extending the components.

Explanation of symbols

  1 supply pipe assembly, 3 steam manifold, 5 tail tube, 6 discharge pipe assembly, 7 steam outlet port, 9 brace, 12 inlet end, 13 rear end, 14 inlet chamber, 17 outlet chamber, 20 forced cooling pipe assembly 21 inlet pipe assembly, 22 outlet pipe assembly, 32 manifold outlet pipe, 52 union, 53 straight pipe, 54 end, 56 flexible joint, 58 bracing member, 59 linear section, 60 side plate, 61 hole, 62 bolt, 63 bolt head, 64 curved pipe, 65 spacer pipe, 66 straight pipe, 67 end, 70 end, 72 chamber inlet pipe

Claims (16)

In replaceable sections of forced cooling pipes for mounting on gas turbine tails:
a. A first end is provided that is joined to the free end of the first tube from the supply or return port of the forced cooling fluid supply. And
b. A second end is provided , which is adapted to be joined to the free end of the second tube from the inlet chamber or outlet chamber port of the tail tube;
c. A bracing member is connected between the first end and the second end, and the bracing member transmits a load to the tail tube via the tail tube load receiving member. A supporting structure,
d. A flexible joint is connected between the first end and the bracing member, the flexible joint being adapted to provide axial and lateral flexibility;
e. A curved pipe formed between the second end and the bracing member is connected, the curved pipe providing radial flexibility;
A replaceable section, wherein the replaceable section provides a fluid connection between the first end and the second end for flowing forced cooling fluid.   The replaceable section of claim 1, wherein the shaped bend has a U-shaped bend.   Two removable unions are provided, one union is adapted to couple the first end to the free end of the first tube, the other union being the second union. The replaceable section of claim 1, wherein the end of the second tube is coupled to the free end of the second tube. 4. The replaceable section of claim 3 , wherein the two removable unions comprise a V-shaped band clamp.   The replaceable section according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is in contact with the tail tube load receiving member and is adapted to transmit an axial load.   The replaceable section according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is in contact with the transition piece load receiving member and transmits an axial load, a lateral load, and a longitudinal load. In a field-installable tail tube assembly for a gas turbine:
a. A transition piece is provided, the transition piece being adapted to be mounted between the combustor and the first stage of the gas turbine engine, and a cooling inlet chamber, a cooling outlet chamber, and a transition piece load receiver. And has a member,
b. A first replaceable section of the forced cooling pipe is provided, the first replaceable section being
i. A first end shaped to couple to the free end of the first tube from the supply side of the forced cooling fluid supply;
ii. A second end shaped to couple to a free end of a second tube from the inlet chamber;
iii. A bracing member along the interchangeable section, the bracing member extending from a location along the first tube section and transmitting a load to the tail tube load receiving member Having a support structure positioned in the
iv. Having a flexible joint between the first end and the bracing member;
v. Having a molded bend between the second end and the bracing member;
c. A second replaceable section of a forced cooling pipe for on-site attachment to the transition piece is provided, the second replaceable section being
i. A first end shaped to couple to the free end of the first tube from the return side of the forced cooling fluid supply;
ii. A second end shaped to couple to a free end of a second tube from the outlet chamber;
iii. A bracing member along the interchangeable section, the bracing member extending from a location along the first tube section and transmitting a load to the tail tube load receiving member Having a support structure positioned in the
iv. Having a flexible joint between the first end and the bracing member;
v. Having a molded bend between the second end and the bracing member;
d. A removable union is provided, the union: coupling the first end of the first exchangeable section to the first tube on the supply side of the forced cooling fluid supply; Coupling the second end of the first replaceable section to the second tube from the inlet chamber; connecting the first end of the second replaceable section to the forced cooling fluid supply Coupling to the first tube on the return side of the section; coupling the second end of the second replaceable section to the second tube from the outlet chamber;
The first and second interchangeable sections provide a fluid connection between the first end and the second end for the passage of forced cooling fluid to or from the transition piece. Field-installable tail tube assembly characterized in that The field-installable tail tube assembly of claim 7 , wherein each of the molded bends includes a U-shaped bend. The field-installable transition piece assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the support structure is in contact with the transition piece receiving member and transmits an axial load. The field-installable transition piece assembly according to claim 7 , wherein each of the support structures is in contact with the transition piece load receiving member to transmit axial, lateral and longitudinal loads. . In the multi-zone interchangeable section of forced cooling pipes for passing cooling fluid through the gas turbine tail:
a. Two ends are provided, one end is connected to the forced cooling fluid supply, the other end is connected to the tail tube,
b. A flexible region comprising a flexible joint with axial and lateral movement capability is provided;
c. A molded tube region disposed between the two ends is provided;
d. A bracing region is provided between the flexible joint and the molded tube region, and the bracing region isolates the flexible joint from a plug load generated in the molded tube region. Multi-zone interchangeable section, characterized in that it has a support structure for The replaceable section of claim 11 , wherein the shaped tube region has a U-shaped bend. 13. A section according to claim 12 , wherein a removable union is provided at each end, and the two removable unions comprise a V-shaped band clamp. In a method of attaching a transition piece to a gas turbine engine, the method comprises:
a. Attaching the transition piece without a cooling supply pipe to connect the combustor of the gas turbine engine and the first stage;
b. Forming a section of a cooling supply pipe having a first end, a flexible joint, a bracing member including a support structure, a shaped bend, and a second end, arranged linearly; Each of the ends is associated with a removable union;
c. Aligning the first end with the tube end of the forced cooling fluid supply to achieve flexible mounting of the flexible joint;
d. Mounting is achieved by aligning the second end with the tube end of the tail tube and bending the molded bend;
e. A method of attaching a tail tube to a gas turbine engine, characterized in that each of said first and second ends is attached to said individual tube ends using said removable union. The method of claim 14 , further comprising securing the support structure to a load receiving member of the transition piece. 15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the attachment is performed using a removable union that includes a V-shaped band clamp.

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